I stumbled upon Johnathan William Anderson about a year or so ago. He debuted an accessories collection of beautifully sculptured resin jewellery, where insects and flowers sat in clear bubbles like floating jewels. I came across him once again, happy to see his new S/S 09 menswear collection entitled “An Eye for An Eye” drenched in religious, historical and mythical paraphernalia.

With this collection Anderson combines the rudiments of traditional schoolboy uniforms with warrior detailing creating a beautiful contrast of innocence, elegance and strength. There is a nod to historical icons, Diego Velázquez and Raphael Jonathan, within the pale blue of the jackets and trousers and the blood red fringe elements found on the scarves and cuffs. The intricate embroidery, short cut shirts and cropped jackets are worn with slouchy khakis. Here Brideshead Revisited springs to mind as I envision lofty young men poised on the brink of manhood falling in love with the frills of bourgeoisie society as well as each other.

This is Anderson’s third menswear collection and may very well be his best. I beg anyone to differ. Be sure to check out his entire collection and look book here.